U.S. District Judge Kent Dawson issued a temporary restraining order Wednesday against Las Vegas-based American Memorabilia Inc. The company had been asked by Jackson’s stepmother, Resurrection Jackson, to auction a purported 1977 World Series championship ring and a watch given to Jackson by the Yankees.

“If the ring is sold it may not be able to be retrieved and the money may be disbursed,” Dawson said. “Mr. Jackson has a right to protect his memorabilia.”

Jackson says he gave the items to his father with the understanding that they would remain in the family. Jackson says the ring is a replica of his World Series ring.

“I have to determine if the gift was absolute or just a type of temporary possession,” said Dawson.

“If he thought it was a replica, he wouldn’t be fighting for this ring,” said Jackson family spokesman Wayne Lawsin.

Jackson’s 77-year-old stepmother says the ring is authentic and that it became hers after Jackson’s father died in 1994.

Resurrection Jackson’s family said in a statement: “Reggie has everything. My mother cannot ever get a working kidney.” They said Jackson is trying to raise cash for health care costs.

The auction had been scheduled to close Thursday night.

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